Respiratory Mask Exhalation Valve With Flutter-Damping Flap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respiratory masks experience excessive fluttering in the exhalation valve due to excitation at the natural frequency during exhalation, leading to discomfort and non-compliance with safety standards, and existing solutions like using two valve flaps or increasing valve size complicate design or fail to meet resistance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A valve design with a single valve flap and a central limiter mechanism that transitions through multiple configurations, including non-linear deformation, to avoid excitation at the natural frequency, reducing fluttering and maintaining compact size and acceptable breathing resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional exhalation valve design is used, then the valve structure is simple, but excessive fluttering occurs due to excitation at natural frequency during exhalation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve flap is designed to transition between multiple configurations (closed, first open, second open) during the exhalation cycle. The system dynamically adjusts the valve flap position and deformation state in response to inlet pressure changes, allowing it to move from a linear movement phase to a deformation phase, thereby avoiding sustained excitation at natural frequency and reducing fluttering.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhalation process is divided into distinct phases: closed configuration, first open configuration (with linear movement), and second open configuration (with deformation). The central limiter mechanism segments the motion path, creating discrete operational stages that prevent continuous resonance and reduce overall fluttering.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If two valve flaps are used to reduce fluttering, then fluttering is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using two static valve flaps, the invention uses a single valve flap that dynamically transitions between multiple configurations. The valve flap deformable structure allows it to change shape and position during operation, achieving fluttering reduction through dynamic behavior rather than through multiple components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If valve size is increased to reduce fluttering, then fluttering is reduced, but the compact size requirement is not met
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves fluttering reduction through the dynamic deformation capability of the valve flap rather than through increased size. The valve flap's ability to transition between configurations and deform non-linearly during operation provides vibration damping effects while maintaining a compact overall valve structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve flap's physical parameters (shape, position, deformation state) are changed dynamically during operation. By modifying the valve flap's configuration from linear movement to deformation, the system alters its vibrational characteristics to avoid resonance without changing the overall valve size.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If biasing member strength is altered to reduce fluttering, then fluttering is reduced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reduces fluttering through the dynamic deformation behavior of the valve flap structure itself rather than through changes in biasing member strength. The valve flap's configurable nature allows it to dampen vibrations inherently during operation, eliminating the need for complex or expensive biasing member modifications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The valve design significantly reduces fluttering, ensuring comfort and compliance with safety standards by damping vibrations without increasing size or altering biasing member strength, resulting in improved user experience and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to normally bias the valve flap to the closed configuration
Implementation Method 2
the valve flap transitions from the first open configuration to the second open configuration... The valve flap at least partially deforms to transition from the first open configuration to the second open configuration
Implementation Method 3
the central limiter engages with the tubular projection to prevent further movement of the tubular projection along the longitudinal axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a valve for a respiratory mask. The valve includes a valve housing including a valve seat and an inlet. The valve includes a valve flap at least partially received within the valve housing. The valve flap is sealingly engaged with the valve seat in a closed configuration and is disengaged from the valve seat in a plurality of open configurations. The valve flap includes a tubular projection extending away from the valve seat along a longitudinal axis. The plurality of open configurations includes a first open configuration and a second open configuration. The valve further includes a pin slidably received through the valve housing and coupled to the tubular projection. The pin and the valve flap are together movable along the longitudinal axis relative to the valve seat. The valve further includes a valve cage coupled to the valve housing.